Community Discipleship

WINNIPEG, MB – I am excited to announce a new vision and name for the program that I lead - from our former focus on Leadership Development to our new focus on COMMUNITY DISCIPLESHIP! I have been reflecting on my own gifting, passion and sense of calling and sensed God stirring some new vision for community impact that builds on the work I have been doing and the strengths I have been developing. My team member Jenny's gifts and passion also fit well into the overall scope of this new vision.

Community Discipleship is about inviting youth and adults in our community to become and grow as disciples of Jesus. We will teach, model, and support people to get to know Jesus and themselves, living for his kingdom in the unique context of their lives.

While other ICYA programs also play a role in discipleship, this Community Discipleship initiative will put a greater emphasis and intentionality into walking with youth and adults who want to grow and go deeper in knowing God, personal and relational healing, following Jesus, and joining his mission.

In many ways I have been doing discipleship work like this all along; it has been woven into much of my ministry in the North End of Winnipeg over the years, and this new role will allow me to put more of my energy and focus in this direction. God continues to bring adults my way who are ready for and looking for ways to grow spiritually. I am trying to pay attention to what God seems to be blessing in my work and look for ways to press into this.

My role will be to direct and oversee the overall Community Discipleship ministry and programs as well as ministering directly with adults in the community. Jenny Klassen will continue to be part of my team and will lead our Youth Discipleship group (a new version of the “Apprentice Group”) with teens. Jenny will be assisted by John Vasili, a staff on the Bridge Drop-In team. With Jenny and John focusing on discipleship with teens, I will be free to focus on adults in the community.

I am excited about starting some new groups with adults in response to their interests, needs and availability. Terry Melquist and I are teaming up to start a Bible study group with men who are seeking to explore and grow in faith, including some of the participants in ICYA’s Step Up Construction program. I’m also hoping to meet regularly with a small group of young men who I’ve been mentoring for several years and are now adults.

I ask for your prayers for our Community Discipleship work:

• For the Spirit’s work in the adults I am discipling and for God to bring others who are ready to take steps as followers of Jesus.

• For me and Terry and the Bible study group we are starting this fall.

• For wisdom, perseverance and spiritual insight as I seek the best ways to meet people where they are at and invite them to new steps.

• For spiritual protection, encouragement and energy for us as we press into kingdom-of-God impact in our community.

Home church: Altona EMMC, Manitoba

Mission: Community Minister & Leadership Development, Inner City Youth Alive